Tales & Treasures: The Little Emperor

Created by Canada’s History

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July 11, 2012

Sir George Simpson was the governor of the Hudson's Bay Company from 1820–1860. His administration effectively precipitated Canadian Confederation in 1867. Dr. Jamie Morton, curator of the HBC collection at the Manitoba Museum, explains the nature of the Company's organizational hierarchy and Simpson's role as governor through these extravagant artifacts: an elaborate silver candelabra and a ram's head snuff mull.

Dr. Jamie Morton shows us two examples of Indigenous clothing items from the Canadian prairies: A moose hide coat from the John Halkett collection and a beaded Cree hood, both made with HBC trade goods.